an abusive household may learn to hide her feelings and put on
protective armor. She may become numb and out of touch with her
feelings because otherwise she is not safe. She may learn to observe
and strategize in order to survive. Athena becomes activated at any
point that a victimized woman begins to plan a means of surviving
or getting away.
Walter F. Otto, author of The Homeric Gods,^4 called Athena “the
ever-near” goddess. She stood immediately behind her heroes and
was invisible to others. She whispered advice, counseled restraint,
and gave them an edge over their rivals. The “ever-near” Athena
archetype needs to be invited “to come closer” whenever a woman
needs to think clearly in the midst of an emotional situation, or
whenever she competes on the same terms as a man in her particular
occupation or educational field.
ATHENA THE WOMAN
There is a certain type of stable and outgoing American woman
who seems to best personify Athena in everyday guise. She is prac-
tical, uncomplicated, unselfconscious, and confident, someone who
gets things done without fuss. Typically the Athena woman is in
good health, has no mental conflicts, and is physically active, as befits
identification with Athena (who in her aspect of Athena Hygieia
was also Goddess of Health). In my mind’s eye, I see her as one of
those clean-cut, well-scrubbed women who wear the “preppy” look
all their lives. An Athena woman’s psyche bears a similarity to the
no-nonsense look of “preppy” clothes—practical, durable, of lasting
quality, and uninfluenced by fashion changes.
The fashionable “preppy” look may be worn by the suburban
Athena woman; the “downtown” variation is the tailored suit and
blouse worn by the successful working woman in business. Both
the suburban casual and the downtown business versions are influ-
enced by Brooks Brothers—that upper-class, English look favored
by many businessmen and prep school boys. Rounded Peter Pan
collars and button-down shirts are appropriate garb for Athena
women, who cultivate an ageless asexuality.
Goddesses in Everywoman